AFEP’s core objective is to cultivate cognitive and emotional prowess and resilience. The program is inspired by Samurai valour, emphasizing excellence guided by strong ethical and moral values, discipline, purpose, and integrity.

AFEP is designed for children, youth, adult women, and seniors. The program supports lifelong learning, with projects and activities adapted to meet the developmental and emotional needs of each participant group.

Skills are cultivated through project-based experiential learning grounded in the Ackermann Whole-Child/person philosophy and Froebel’s discovery-based approach. Participants learn through hands-on projects, reflection, inquiry, and guided discussion.

The Ackermann philosophy emphasizes whole-child/person development, integrating cognitive, emotional, social, and moral growth.

The Froebel philosophy focuses on learning through discovery, creativity, and meaningful engagement with the world. ​

AFEP supports the development of: • Critical thinking and analysis for decision making • Reflection and self-awareness • Confidence and emotional regulation • Leadership and communication These skills are cultivated through Socratic exploration and Stoic reflection embedded throughout the program.

AFEP projects are inspired by Japanese culture and philosophy, emphasizing discipline, mindfulness, craftsmanship, resilience, and purpose. Please visit our Curriculum page for examples.

Project content is interdisciplinary and may include, but is not limited to: • Sciences and scientific inquiry • Scientists, innovators, and pioneers • Astronomy and exploration • Health and medical literacy • Political systems and governance • Technology and artificial intelligence • Art, music, and creative expression • Nature and environmental learning • Culinary arts and cultural traditions • Community leadership and entrepreneurship All content is age-appropriate and adapted for each cohort.

Focus areas include resilience, confidence, ethical reasoning, emotional awareness, leadership development, and personal responsibility. Please refer to the Program Overview or Curriculum pages for further details.

The program is designed as a 12-month enrichment experience. Participants progress at their own pace, recognizing that learning and development vary among individuals.

Progress is measured using AFEP’s proprietary Michi Compass, a reflective tool designed to track cognitive and emotional growth over time.

Training is provided for participants. For child and youth participants, parents or guardians are also trained to support reflection and progress tracking at home.

Absolutely no cell phones permitted for the duration of the class. Parents/guardians accompanying children participants are also not permitted to use cell phones for the duration of the class in an attempt to support the participant.

No. AFEP is not designed to measure success or failure, but to support growth, reflection, and continuous progress.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate to help reinforce concepts at home, strengthen reflection practices, and support continuity beyond the classroom.

Yes. All AFEP programs are delivered in person.

Virtual options are not available at this time.

Classes are offered once per week.

Each class is approximately 1.5 hours in length.

Classes are currently held at The Lantern in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

To begin enrollment, please complete the Pre-Assessment Form under the Forms tab. Once reviewed, the AFEP team will contact you with the next steps.

Yes. All core project materials are provided. Participants may occasionally be asked to bring personal items, depending on the activity.